Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 3

Written Answers. - Peace Project.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

94 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the work being carried out through the Seeds of Hope Peace Project; and if he will make a grant available to the organisation to enable it to develop and extend its activities. [8665/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

My Department's reconciliation fund was established in 1982 to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and in developing a better understanding between people in both parts of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. Since its establishment, it has funded a variety of organisations which are working in the field of reconciliation in Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands.

The Department welcomes applications from organisations which believe they may qualify for consideration under the criteria governing the fund. All applications are considered by an interdepartmental advisory committee on the basis of eligibility criteria which are available to applicants and the advisory committee then makes its recommendations to me.

The Seeds of Hope Project received grant aid of £3,000 from the reconciliation fund in August 2000 in support of its work in the field of reconciliation. I am aware that officers from my Department have met on several occasions with staff from the project to discuss their current application. I understand that the application is still under consideration by the advisory committee and I will make my decision in relation to the allocation of a grant when I have considered their recommendations.